Hey Newsies,
After last edition’s discussion around generative AI, today we’re talking robots. An article from PYMNTS reports on Chick-fil-A testing out robotic servers at their restaurants. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in adding automation in the form of robotics to your business.
PYMNTS: Chick-fil-A Reportedly Tests Robot Servers Amid Diner Concerns Around Automation
The article explains that there is a rising trend of restaurants incorporating robots to automate tasks, despite some customers being apprehensive and uninterested in visiting these businesses. Chick-fil-A is testing out using robots to bring food to customers’ tables, instead of employees doing so. Meanwhile, Chili’s tried it out and decided to not bring them to more restaurants. While the exact reasons aren’t known, it can be inferred that it was due to public perception.
Chick-fil-A is known for their incredibly personal and human customer service, so it’s interesting to see reports of them adding robots that could theoretically change that. But it does make sense to automate some tasks so their employees can focus on the human connection, while also working to reduce some costs over the long term.
In my shop, we were definitely open to the idea of some type of robotic assistance, but nothing was on the market that would work well for ice cream. It would be really cool to have a robot create perfect scoops of ice cream every time, both for consistent size and shape, but also for the longevity of the product inside the tub, which can be affected if scooped improperly. Unfortunately, the logistics wouldn’t have made sense, and it seemed to go against our brand and business model of being an approachable neighborhood shop. But if it did make more sense for us, we would definitely have looked into it.
What’s your perspective:
- Have you incorporated any robots into your business?
- What would make you consider, or completely disregard it in the future?
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Pesso
